I Run for Mercy Because…

On May 12th, people from all over the Lower Mainland will be joining together to Run for Young Women who need the opportunity to experience God’s unconditional love and life-transforming power.

Each one will come for their own reasons. Graduates who have experienced Mercy for themselves, parents of young women who have struggled, friends, church leaders, and volunteers all coming together to support the freedom of young women who struggle.

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Andrea Ross (left) with Mercy Ministries Founder Nancy Alcorn

“I am running for Mercy Ministries because this program changes girls’ lives. I personally have experienced freedom and a changed life because of Mercy Ministries and I am so grateful beyond words for this amazing program. The girls that walk in the doors of Mercy are so valuable and all of them are trapped, they need a holistic answer, and Mercy Ministries is able to give that to them. Mercy would not be able to operate without financial support and that is why I am running. I am running for their freedom.”  Andrea Ross (Mercy Graduate)

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Mercy Ministries' Volunteer Jena Klemke

I am running because, God is truly doing some incredible things with Mercy Ministries, and it so wonderful to hear the difference the ministry is making in lives of girls all over North America. I am so excited to be a part of this amazing event. I became involved with Mercy Ministries last year when a friend of mine asked me if I would like to volunteer for the Run for Mercy. I am so thankful that she did, because it is such an amazing cause. The run is a great way for people to make a difference in a fun and social environment. As a team we have been working hard to make this a fun and memorable day for everyone. Look forward to seeing you all there  
Jena Klemke (Volunteer)

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No matter where you are on May 12th you can join in the Run for Mercy and help spread the word about the amazing life-transforming work at Mercy Ministries

Register Today and the tell us, here or on our Facebook page  why  you Run for Mercy?

On your Marks… Get Set… Go!

A Gift in God’s hand

We’ve grown so used to hearing his footsteps at the home, that we can recognize his presence before we see his smile or hear his voice. He may arrive without notice or in response to a call for help but he’s always at the home for a reason.

Ed Pauls arrives at the Mercy home several times a week, to take care of routine tasks, discuss finances or to fix problems around the home. Yet, while focused and dependable, he always stops to talk, to smile, to check-in-on-how-you’re-doing and to listen.  His next visit may come as a result of something he’s observed or heard, solving problems that haven’t even been spoken.

You see Ed’s volunteer service has become as much a part of ministry to the young women at the Mercy Ministries home as, the counseling, the discipline, and the Bible reading. Though he does not directly address each young woman’s struggles, his care is felt as they enjoy the comfort of the home; his service powerfully demonstrating love in action. The time he takes to talk, speaks to them of their value and when he smiles as he walks  to a task, he uplifts one who may have been feeling down. Thinking of Ed, it is easy to paraphrase 2 Corinthians 9 : 12 – 13 to address him directly

This service that you perform is not only taking care of the Mercy Ministries home, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourself, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your unique expression of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with the Mercy girls and with everyone who supports Mercy Ministries.

The current residents recently sat down to put together their thoughts of gratitude:

Ed gives instructions during the renovation

“Thank you” doesn’t seem meaningful enough for a man who has made such an impact on our lives here at Mercy. We want to take a moment to honor  Ed by saying a few things from our hearts of thankfulness.

Thank you Ed for being here – and so willingly – to give of your time. For all the maintenance and upkeep you do both around the house and outside. Everything from raking leaves, hanging Christmas lights, fixing our HOPE  sign and getting us new chairs. You always go the extra mile for us. Thank you for your big daddy hugs and your interest into our lives.

Your presence is a strong and gentle encouragement. Thank you for the compassion love and dedication you pour into our lives at Mercy. Ed you really raise the standard for other men and it’s an honor to know you. Words cannot express accurately our gratitude. We love you Ed.

Ed started volunteering to help build a house where young women could find hope. He took the skills and gifts he had, to help coordinate and put together a building, so that others could minister to those who struggle. God has taken his gifts – offered to Him gently and with humility- to feed minds, spirits and hearts.

Ed (far right) and his wife with the first graduates from the Mercy Canada home